Pop

Sammy Cahn is a prolific lyricist who wrote countless classic songs, including for musicals and films. He explains how he hears words in melodies and shares anecdotes about his many collaborations over the years.

South African folk singer Tony Bird performs his songs for Fresh Air and answers questions about the political dimensions of his art.

Music critic Kal Rudman discusses how he identifies hit records for different demographics. He writes for the popular trade publication Friday Morning Quarterback.

Barney Kessel is a jazz guitarist, composer, and music writer. He has worked with artists such as Fred Astaire and Bille Holliday. He continues to perform across the country. He joins the show to discuss his career and life.

Joan Morris and Bill Bolcom are husband and wife musicians. Joan is a singer and Bill plays the piano. They discuss their life and work together.

Joan Morris and Bill Bolcom are husband and wife musicians. Joan is a singer and Bill plays the piano. They discuss their life and work together.

Milt Gabler has a storied history in jazz and pop music as the owner of the Commodore Record Shop and the Commodore Record label. He's also worked with artists such as Coleman Hawkins, Jelly Roll Morton, and Billie Holliday, whose "Strange Fruit" Gabler produced. He joins the show to discuss his career.

Milt Gabler has a storied history in jazz and pop music as the owner of the Commodore Record Shop and the Commodore Record label. He's also worked with artists such as Coleman Hawkins, Jelly Roll Morton, and Billie Holliday, whose "Strange Fruit" Gabler produced. He joins the show to discuss his career.

Winnie Winston is a pedal steel guitar player, composer, and music teacher. He discusses his latest album "Steel Wool."

Tom Waits discusses his fame, his unique voice and his small role in the film Paradise Alley.

Part two of Terry Gross's interview with James Burke and Linda Burke, the son and granddaughter of songwriter Joe Burke.

Joe Burke was an influential popular songwriter. Terry Gross talks about his legacy with his son James Burke and granddaughter Linda Burke, and plays some classic recordings of his songs. This is part one of her interview.

Pianist Allison discusses his career as a magician and songwriter.

"Society" Pianist Peter Mintun performs many forgotten songs from the first half of this century. His new CD is "Your's for a Song: The Women of Tin Pan Alley." (Premier Recordings) Peter Mintun’s music is synonymous with San Francisco society. He has performed with symphony orchestras, entertained royalty, film and stage stars, and sometimes the composers themselves.